Massive fire in Hyderabad's multi-storey building kills 6: Police

On Friday, March 17, 2023, authorities confirmed a devastating fire incident in a multi-storey commercial complex in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives, all attributed to asphyxiation. In light of this catastrophe, police have initiated legal action against five firms for alleged breaches of fire safety regulations.

The fire reportedly ignited on Thursday evening at approximately 7:15 PM on the seventh floor of the eight-story complex known as "Swapnalok." Preliminary investigations suggest that the blaze may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. Although emergency responders successfully rescued all 13 individuals trapped inside the building, six succumbed to suffocation and smoke inhalation shortly after their rescue.

The Swapnalok complex houses over 200 shops and various commercial establishments, including some government and private offices. At the time of the fire, only a handful of private offices were operational. Officials conducting fire-fighting efforts discovered that the external staircase, crucial for evacuation, was obstructed by unused items, further complicating the rescue operations.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. In a gesture of support, he announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to each family of the deceased and assured assistance to those injured in the incident.

The heartbreaking events at the Swapnalok complex underscore the critical importance of adhering to fire safety protocols in commercial buildings. The ongoing investigations aim to hold accountable those responsible for the lapses that contributed to this avoidable loss of life. As the community mourns the victims, the focus shifts towards ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future through stricter enforcement of safety regulations and heightened awareness of emergency preparedness.